Increased environmental degradation endangers the very existence of future generations. Fortunately, many governments have reiterated their commitment to curb this through the adoption of greener strategies. The Canadian government recently announced ambitious plans to move towards a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. As part of its efforts, the government even unveiled plans to use 100% renewable energy in federal buildings within eight years (by 2025).

Renewable sources of energy include sources such as the wind and the sun. Despite Canada’s location in the higher altitudes, the country still has huge potential for solar power technology. Indeed, Canada’s huge surface area gives it a competitive edge in adopting solar power technology. Different sectors stand to benefit from using solar power technology; including the agricultural sector.

Why The Agricultural Sector?

The importance of the agricultural sector in Canada grows every year. Indeed, the Canadian agricultural sector sits at number 5 in the list of largest agricultural exporters in the world. The sector employs over 2 million Canadians and contributes at least $110 billion to the country’s GDP every year. However, this position of importance comes with growing concerns for the environment.

The agricultural sector uses enormous amounts of energy every year. In 2013 for example, research suggested that Canada’s agricultural sector accounted for at least 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, Canadian farmers could help save and preserve the environment by turning to solar power technology.

Provinces with Biggest Potential for Solar Power Technology

Canada’s location in the high altitudes means that it experiences lower levels of solar irradiance. In addition to that, Canada’s relatively heavy cloud cover also reduces the solar power capacity in the country. Provinces in the Southern parts of Canada have a more significant solar potential than those in the northern parts of Canada. Provinces with the highest potential include Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba among others.

Potential Uses of Solar Power Technology in the Canadian Farming Sector

Farmers all across Canada and more so in the Southern provinces like Alberta do not even need convincing when it comes to solar power. While farmers usually require the sun for the health of their crops and their animals, many are also now turning towards using the sun to meet their energy needs. Some of the potential uses of solar power technology among Canada’s farmers include;

1. Backup Power

Many Canadian farmers consider this one of the most significant benefits of solar power technology. The success of the farming sector often depends on the proper and timely execution of specific processes some of which depend on electricity. Ultimately, power outages often lead to unimaginable losses and inconveniences. In addition to that, the unpredictability of power outages limits the dependability of the grid.

In 1989 for example, Quebec experienced an electrical blackout that lasted 12 hours. Solar power technology offers an avenue away from the inconveniences of using the grid for one’s energy needs. For as long as the sun shines, solar power lives on.

Whether there are blackouts or not, solar power remains one of the best ways to supplement electrical energy. Many farmers supplement their electrical use in many ways including using skylights and other sun-based lighting and solar heating systems. All of these greatly help to enhance the energy efficiency of farm operations.

Solar power technology also makes for a good source of energy when it comes to powering farm machinery and equipment.

2. Solar Powered Sensors

Both crops and animals often require sufficient supplies of water for optimal growth. However, watering on large-scale farms often poses a considerable challenge for farmers. This is especially so when farmers have to connect a mains supply to the sensor node. Wireless sensor nodes offer a solution to the problem of connecting the nodes to the mains. Unfortunately, farmers are regularly expected to replace the batteries which are relatively inconvenient and strenuous.

Solar powered sensor nodes offer farmers a better way out of the problem. Further, farmers stand to spend less on solar-powered sensors. Farmers can then use these sensors to gather data such as precipitation levels, soil moisture and even sunlight levels for easily monitoring and regulating watering processes.

3. Solar Powered Fence Chargers

Farmers who engage in livestock farming are well aware of the importance of using efficient, adaptable and dependable fencing solutions. It comes as no surprise that many Canadian livestock farmers consider solar-powered fences as one of the best and most sustainable fencing solutions. According to experts, solar-powered electric fences are particularly useful for farmers located in rural and remote locations where the grid is unavailable.

Some reasons explain the growing popularity of solar power fencing:

Cost-effectiveness

Ease of installation makes it an exciting Do-It-Yourself (DIY) activity

Availability of affordable solar fencing parts and components

4. Drying of Crops and Grain

Since time immemorial, human beings use the sun to dry crops and grain. Technological advancements and developments have significantly improved and enhanced solar drying processes. These days, rather than leave crops out in the field to dry, farmers use solar drying equipment. Ultimately, crops dry faster and in a more even manner. Additionally, solar drying equipment allows farmers to take advantage of the sun while avoiding the disadvantages of severe weather, pests, and birds.

Different ways of using solar power for drying crops and grain exist. In most cases, a conventional solar-powered dryer includes:

A shed (or enclosure) with south-ward facing windows that let the sunlight in.

Screened drying trays

A solar collector

A fan which helps to move hot air through the crops and grain to speed up the drying process

One of the most significant advantages of this system is that farmers also use the solar collector to fulfill their heating needs especially in the colder times of the year.

5. Solar Greenhouse Heating

As noted earlier, the farming sector accounts for up to 10% of Canada’s greenhouse emissions. Globally, research estimates that agriculture accounts for at least 13% of the greenhouse emissions. The statistics indicate the problem is on a global scale.

Part of the problem lies in the surging number of commercial greenhouses which traditionally use gas or oil heaters to regulate temperatures. The use of gas and oil heaters plays a huge role in triggering the high levels of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. On the contrary, solar energy does not emit any greenhouse gases. Solar powered greenhouses collect and store the suns energy retaining it for use at night and on cloudy days.

Another advantage of solar powered greenhouses is that they enable crop growth all year round.

6. Solar Irrigation

Farmers also use solar power technology to irrigate their land. Indeed, the interest of Canadian farmers in photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems grows by the day. This is particularly so with those farmers located in locations where there the grid is unavailable.

A typical solar irrigation system pumps water directly for as long as the sun is shining. Farmers find this convenient as it means that the systems work best during summer; when water is needed most. Some of the biggest benefits of using these solar powered pumping systems for farming include;

Their cost efficiency

Their reliability

They require low maintenance.

Availability in different sizes and for different needs

Although smaller solar-powered water pumps do not require batteries, larger ones do. To add to that, larger systems often include extra features such as inverters and even tracking mounts meant to follow the sun.

7. Solar Powered Vehicles and Farm Equipment

For many people, solar-powered vehicles are a dream of the future. However, for some Canadian farmers, the future is already here. Farmers typically use diesel powered tractors on their farms. The use of such tractors contributes immensely to the degradation of the environment through air pollution as well as soil and groundwater pollution.

In a bid to curb the negative effects of diesel-powered vehicles on farms, developers came up with solar powered tractors and other agricultural vehicles. Some farmers even use small solar powered golfcart-like vehicles to move around the farm.

8. Solar Powered Ventilation Systems

Ventilation is an important element in any farmhouse. This means that farmers need to ensure that their stores and other farmhouses have proper and efficient ventilation systems. Some farmers now use solar power to open and close the vents in their farmhouses while others use solar power to control the fans.

Benefits of Using Solar Power Technology in Farming

Canada’s farmers incorporate solar power technology on their farms for numerous reasons.

1. Lower and More Manageable Energy Costs

Many farmers agree that farming is an energy-intensive venture which makes it an expensive venture as well. For most farmers, meeting these expenses is difficult and stressful. Turning to solar power helps many farmers cut down their costs and save even more. For, some studies suggest that dairy farmers stand to benefit from up to 33% in savings on their electricity bills when they use solar power.

Even more importantly, the cost of energy keeps on rising and the best way to curb it is self-reliance regarding energy. Generating one’s own energy brings about reliance, affordability and a more excellent ability to manage energy use and costs.

Some farmers are also taking solar power generation to a more significant scale by taking part in solar farming. According to many market forecasts and experts, solar farming is potentially lucrative business especially with the increased demand for solar power technology in homes all across Canada.

2. Fewer Challenges in Installation

A couple of years ago, farmers often found it hard to install solar power systems on their farms. Some factors contributed to this including the affordability of the systems as well as specific limitations from the government, Today, however, solar power systems are much more affordable. Further, technological advancements have resulted in solar power systems with better designs and easier installation.

3. Ideal for Farmers in Remote Locations

Solar power technology offers a way out for farmers who live in remote areas with no connection to the electric grid. Solar power means these farmers still get a chance to enjoy the conveniences of electricity even without a connection to the grid. Additionally, the farmers enjoy a cleaner, greener and more reliable source of electricity.

4. Numerous Incentives from the Government

By far one of the most significant benefits that Canadian farmers stand to benefit from in adopting solar power technology is the government incentives offered to farmers. This is primarily due to the government’s commitment to ensuring that Canada moves towards greener energy and lower carbon emissions. According to farmers in Canada, these incentives play a significant role in convincing them to convert to solar power.

In 2009 for example, the Canadian government implemented the Feed-in Tariff (FIT). Experts lauded it the only program of its kind in the whole of North America while farmers saw it as an opportunity to incorporate solar power technology.

Even the governments of the different provinces and territories came up with their incentives to lure people into the greater adoption of solar energy. Alberta, for example, has the Alberta Municipal Solar Program introduced in 2016. This program is meant to provide rebates of up to $0.75 per watt. According to the program, every project attracts a maximum of $300,000 in rebates. There is also the On-Farm Solar Management program which provides $500,000 in provincial and federal funding for Alberta farms that want to adopt solar power technology.

Incentives such as these are encouraging more farmers to adopt the use of solar power technology in their farms and for various farming processes. Feedback from farmers in different parts of Canada also suggests that they are receiving solar power technology well. In fact, many view it as a long-term investment that will serve them even 20 to 30 years down the line.

But perhaps what pleases most farmers about solar power technology is the fact that it gives them more control over their lives and the activities of their farms. The energy savings and the versatility of solar power energy also serve as significant points of satisfaction for farmers. Whatever the case, Canada’s farmers, agree that solar power technology offers a lasting solution to their energy needs.

Agriculture is one sector that is growing rapidly. More and more people are getting into farming and many young people are considering courses in the field. Agriculture has also not been left behind in technology, tech agriculture is becoming popular all over the world.

Among the technological advances in the agricultural sector is the use of drones in agriculture and crop management. The success of your farm largely depends on crop management, which is why it is important to use methods such as drones to improve crop management.

Drones for Agriculture are specifically tailored to suit agricultural demands. Farming is a very involving activity. It requires a farmer to go around the farm so as to supervise the progress of the farm. While this is not a problem for small-scale farmers, farmers with large farms have a hard time.

This means that they have to employ people to assist them in operating the farm. This is why it is necessary for them to adopt this new technology; drones for agriculture. Here are the reasons why you should consider precision farming; use of drones for agriculture

Increase in Crop Yield

The use of drones for agriculture will help boost your yields. Your yields will increase significantly. This is because you are able to beat time when it comes to crop management practices such as the administering of pesticides.

Truth be told, administering pesticides and fertilizers in a large farm say 100 acres is not only time consuming but also very tiring. This in return will lead to reduced yields. Precision farming has made this easier as all you need to do is load your fertilizer or pesticide o the drone and watch it perform its magic

Easy to use

Drones for agriculture are easy to use. You get a set of instruction from the manufacturer on how to use them, at the same time if you experience any challenges using them, you can contact the manufacturer.

You can also head on to the internet and watch some tutorials and you’ll get your crop surveying drone up in no time. Let’s be open here, it’s easier to manage a drone than coordinate 5 farm workers.

High-quality pictures

Crop surveying drones give you a clear picture of your farm; the plants. The view is so clear and spots infected crops more precisely than the naked human eye. This will help you as a professional farmer to manage the health of your crops. This will also help you make the necessary adjustments to your farm such as checking the availability of sunlight to your crops.

Smart Drones

One of the fascinating things about the drones for agriculture and crop surveying drones is that they do not fall. Once you are done with your survey, the drone will fly back to its starting point. How awesome, right? You do not need to worry about losing your drone and the cost that comes with purchasing a new one.

Now that you know how using the drones for agriculture will affect your farm, it’s important to know what to consider in getting the best drones for agriculture. Here are the factors to ensure you get the best drones for agriculture:-

Have an objective and goals-What do you seek to achieve by using the drone for agriculture? What are the specific needs of your farm? Since there are numerous drones for agriculture in the market, your objectives will help you narrow down your options and get to the best one.

Drone management-You ought to consider who is best to manage your drone. Do you intend on doing it yourself or have your farm manager do it? Whether you are a farmer or an agricultural professional, it is important that you know this. This will help you determine whether you need to train your employees. The last thing you want is to invest in a drone for agriculture then due to mismanagement your drone gets spoilt.

]]>http://dairynow.ca/farmers-reap-better-yields-with-crop-surveying-drones/feed/0Why Solar Power Is The Best Option For Global Irrigation Solutionshttp://dairynow.ca/why-solar-power-is-the-best-option-for-global-irrigation-solutions/
http://dairynow.ca/why-solar-power-is-the-best-option-for-global-irrigation-solutions/#respondWed, 12 Jul 2017 12:22:59 +0000http://dairynow.ca/?p=478healthy food, plentiful clean water, sanitation and healthcare provisions.
A clean source of water is the key to much of this. We need reliable pumps to transport water from rivers and underground sources for clean » Read more]]>

The world’s population is growing at an alarming rate, stretching out into remote areas across the continents and increasing the density of cities. The basic needs of the people remain the same across the globe – adequate shelter, healthy food, plentiful clean water, sanitation and healthcare provisions.

A clean source of water is the key to much of this. We need reliable pumps to transport water from rivers and underground sources for clean drinking water, plumbing and irrigation for crops. The problem comes in providing the right source of the irrigation system, with the right power source, to the right areas. Large-scale US operations and small scale farms in Africa both need a reliable, cost-effective approach to the best yields and savings.

Solar powered irrigation looks like the best solution for many situations.

Large-scale irrigation systems need a lot of power to keep all the pumps and systems working as required. The problem is that this can be a logistical nightmare in many remote locations. Those that rely on typical grid-based energy sources will struggle to get the power supplies needed to these areas and find that the costs can be astronomical.

The solution for many is to switch to an off-grid solution where renewable energy keeps the water systems operational and reliable. Solar is the obvious choice in many of these areas. Still, there are concerns over solar irrigation systems and problems to overcome.

So, how does this solar system work? What problems do users face? Also is solar the best option out there for anyone looking for off-grid irrigation?

The concern with solar stems from ongoing concerns about the reliability of this power source.

We have to remember that there are still those that criticize solar because the power goes away a night – completely ignoring the potential of battery packs. There are some areas where solar will be far more beneficial than others due to weather and climate. These are often the areas that need these irrigation systems the most.

Large-scale irrigation works to water fields and crops in areas of minimal rainfall or more arid conditions. It helps to help the ground wet and fertile when mother nature struggles to provide the optimal conditions for growth in the area. This is largely down to the amount of heat and sunshine. Therefore, it makes sense in these areas to turn the situation around and use all that sunshine.

One has to remember that these remote locations are also where engineers build so many solar farms across the country. These flat plains in sun-soaked areas are ideal for harnessing this energy. It doesn’t take much for farmers to give over a small area of land for a personal solar farm – with no shade to worry about. Alternatively, they can put the panels up on the roofs of the outbuildings.

Large-scale Solar Powered Irrigation Is Nothing New

One of the best places to see the potential of solar powered irrigation in action is not the US, but Australia. This is a sun-soaked land with vast areas of dry, arid landscape. Farming and crop development can be tricky in these remote areas without the right power source and irrigation system.

Solar panels and solar systems provide power to bores and surface water solutions to water crops and provide drinking water for vital livestock. Where does the water come from?

A ground source like a well is often the best solution here if engineers can tap into a strong supply. Alternatively, there is the chance to pump water from a nearby stream – depending on proximity and the quality of the irrigation system. The pumped water often collects in a storage system with a gravity feed, which makes it easier to pump the water as needed across the fields.

Any region that deals with low rainfall and a high demand for crops need a quick, effective solution for irrigation. This is the only way to ensure locally-sourced produce. The alternative is to admit defeat and rely on imports. This is increasingly difficult with trade agreements, environmental concerns over shipping and a growing desire for local goods in stores and restaurants.

There are therefore two options available for US growers in need of irrigation solutions. They can either stick with the expensive, damaging solutions with diesel and AC power or turn to a renewable source like solar. The appeal of solar intensifies when we look at the popularity and results in projects within developing nations.

Solar Powered Irrigation In Developing Countries

The use of these solar powered systems takes on a whole new meaning in developing areas. Here there is still a focus on improved agricultural benefits in areas of extreme drought.

There is also the potential for bore service to provide water from wells and rivers for clean water solutions. This means drinking water for those that struggle to obtain access to remote areas. These communities may be a great risk of waterborne disease and other unsanitary conditions, and this clean water supply could help to decrease the rate of illness. It also means water for cleaning and bathing.

It is no surprise that solar is the leading option in powering these developments in African nations, as there has been something of a solar boom on the continent in recent years.

Areas that struggle with mains electricity supplies in more regions have the chance to harness the power of the sun and power their homes and machinery with solar systems. Decreasing costs and increased availability of parts mean that it is easier than ever to enjoy the benefits.

Kenya is a great example of a country embracing solar powered irrigation. 80% of the land here deals with unpredictable rainfall and the potential for drought. Therefore, farmers here are less inclined to work with rain-fed agriculture.

In the past, many turned to flooding the land to saturate the soil and increase their chances. However, this has negative environmental implications, with soil erosion and depletion of minerals from the water source. Others turned to drip irrigation with diesel pumps – another environmental problem with the added issues of running costs and inefficiency.

The solution here was this solar system with the electric pump, storage tank, and gravity flow. This cut costs and increased yields, for an incredibly advantageous outcome for local farmers. It is also more efficient, with the watering process occurring in just 15 minutes. Companies estimate that it can increase yields by 300% and save water by 80%.

It is clear that solar powered irrigation has great potential for American agriculture in the right areas. Still, the implications go further than that.

The main focus here is on developing countries and wide scale agricultural benefits. This is understandable given the full implications of these solar pumped water courses in vulnerable areas. However, there is another side to solar powered irrigation. One that American consumers can benefit from.

The potential and ease of use of solar powered irrigation allow for interesting solutions within the personal property. Companies now scale down the systems for personal use within gardens. Naturally, developers took this concept and found a way to mass market the approach for a wider audience.

Automated irrigation systems are a great idea for all those that don’t have the time to continually water their plants and vegetables at home – especially in hotter climates. Then there are those that have large plots that need something more substantial than a water butt and a watering can.

These at-home solar powered irrigation systems shrink the components down for a similar approach. The general water containment system of the garden acts like the underground storage container on the farms. Lines of irrigation connect to hanging baskets, raised beds and planter and transport the water on a regular basis.

The power for the pump comes from a small solar panel. The principle remains the same – when the sun comes out, and the plants need water, the system takes advantage of the energy and reacts accordingly. Much like within the wide-scale solutions in Africa, there is praise for the energy and water efficiency of this approach.

Some systems can water everywhere in the garden with 90% less water than a hose. This is ideal in areas that suffer from water restrictions and bans during times of drought. Homeowners and growers can still produce their flowers and vegetables with peace of mind in these difficult times, without wasting this precious water.

There are still some problems with this approach that users need to be aware of.

The broad range of solutions, from the farm to the garden, highlights the potential of these solar systems. However, there are still some concerns over reliability and cost compared to current AC systems or diesel pumps.

It is important to find the right parts for the job for a functional system that covers the right area. There aren’t too many parts that go into these systems, but they do need to suit the purpose.

All users need a system with the right pump for the bore or water source, a strong enough panel and power supply to get the job done, and a storage container. Some will choose a smarter model with trackers and other devices to regulate the flow and add a timer.

At the moment, there are still some areas that will prefer the diesel approach because of the cost. This is how they have always pumped their land, and it remains the cheapest, most attractive option to many. The problem is that some will see the short term costs of the equipment and installation – not the long term costs.

Over time, the solar option could save users a lot of money. We cannot forget that the benefits seen in Kenya relate to all kinds of users in any area where irrigation is essential. Also, the continued development of small-scale consumer products shows the potential for mass-produced systems and cheaper parts.

As for the efficiency, the right system, with the rights panels and pumps, should be just as effective in these sunny, arid areas. The only problem with efficiency comes in places with limited sunshine – such as colder climates and hillsides – or if users fail to optimize the panels and gravity flow. Those with these solar irrigation systems for the garden are more likely to experience inefficiency than those farming out on the sunny plains.

Finally, we need to look at the alternatives for powering these irrigation systems. Is solar the best option here?

Standard, grid-based electricity is the obvious, common alternative here. Many developing areas would still focus on this option were solar, not available. The alternative is that diesel powered pump. These options are preferable to AC systems due to their efficiency, but there is the issue of reliance on a fossil fuel.

Not only does this have clear environmental implications, in a world keen to turn its back on coal, oil, and gas, there are cost and availability issues too.

There are agricultural wind turbines in place in some areas, as a green alternative. Many find solar to be the more reliable and cost effective option. There is always a dislike of wind power over solar. These turbines are not as reliable in these climates, and there is the additional fact that they can be pretty ugly.

Solar is the best approach for irrigation and can only continue to help communities across the world.

It is clear that these solar systems are the best option for wide scale, energy, and water efficient irrigation across the world. There are limitations to the approach, such as the reliance on the sun and some cost issues. However, there are plenty of benefits over AC systems, diesel-fueled pumps or other renewable sources.

There is also the fact that these solar options prove their reliability in all kinds of situations. This is an effective, affordable and environmental option across the continents, with large-scale agricultural applications and personal ones.

Solar simply makes the most sense. Crops need more water during times of high heat and sunlight, so why not use all that sunlight and energy to improve the irrigation process.

]]>http://dairynow.ca/why-solar-power-is-the-best-option-for-global-irrigation-solutions/feed/0How UAV’s Are Changing The Future Of Agriculturehttp://dairynow.ca/how-uavs-are-changing-the-future-of-agriculture/
http://dairynow.ca/how-uavs-are-changing-the-future-of-agriculture/#respondSat, 20 May 2017 10:10:38 +0000http://dairynow.ca/?p=93FAA has finally created new regulations for operational requirements and limitations that » Read more]]>Unmanned aerial vehicles are going to be the most important invention of agriculture since the tractor. This is because drones hold much promise with regards to how farmers will be able to monitor their produce on a large scale as well as how harvesting of crops is going to be conducted.

Legality Of Using Drones In Agriculture

The slow-moving bureaucracy of the FAA has finally created new regulations for operational requirements and limitations that would make the use of drones in farming a legal reality.

How Could Drones Be Used

Just because the FAA was slow coming out with drone guidelines and regulation that doesn’t mean we can’t imagine what the future is going to be like in the use of drones for farming. Drones can have infrared sensors attached to them to allow them to detect stress in plants which are often caused by at least one of three things: water shortage, pests, and nutritional deficiency.

The ability to detect plant stress could be the critical difference between a famine or a harvest surplus and this is because problems such as pests can be easily stopped but only they are detected early enough before they go out of control and destroy an entire harvest.

Farmers are going to be able to save a huge amount of time when it comes crop yield valuation. A lot of farmers would like to know the value of their yield but it takes a long time to walk through acres of farmlands so as to make a somewhat accurate estimation.

Drones will be able to quickly take images of large tracts of farmland in order to give farmers an accurate estimation of their produce so as to calculate expected revenues.

The past few years have seen the death of millions of bees in the US in phenomena known as colony collapse. This has led to fear in the scientific community that without bees to pollinate plants in large farms then there could widespread famine due to inadequate production.

Drones could be extremely useful in this regard as Harvard researchers are close to developing drones capable of pollinating large scale plantations should it ever become necessary to take nature into our own hands.

A goal that is considered to be of utmost importance in the drone community is that of precision agriculture which is the ability for a UAV to able to accurately locate and take action to a specific part of a plant.

This could allow farmers to be able to harvest their crops on a massive scale using drones and without having to hire too many laborers thus reducing labor costs and ensuring competitiveness.

Farmers in Kenwood.Ca are already using this technique on a small scale for the harvesting of grapes.

Drone Affordability For Farmers

A possible way that large expensive drones could be affordable to even the humblest of farmers is by using an ownership model like that of billionaire Warren buffet who owns a company called NetJets which basically allows people to co-own a plane so as to use it when necessary while allowing other people to use at other times.

Such an ownership model could allow farmers to come together to buy and share drones at very affordable prices. Companies looking to cash in on the drone business are stocking up on commercial drones to use them as a outsource service business.

An example of these companies is a DC-based corporation called Measure.aero who have developed some of the most advanced drones in the world in anticipation of a billion dollar drone boom industry.

Problems Still Being Worked On

There a few minor kinks that are to be resolved when it comes to the use of drones in farming. The biggest drawback is that cheaper drones are still pretty small in size given the size of most farms that produce large amounts of yield. The larger more capable drones, depending on the farm size, may be cost prohibitive.

A second problem is that a lot of drones do not have the necessary battery capacity needed to stay in the air for long enough to be able to engage in activities for more than 45 minutes which forces the pilot to have to constantly return it for recharging.

]]>http://dairynow.ca/how-uavs-are-changing-the-future-of-agriculture/feed/0Why All Industrial Equipment Manufacturers Need To Go Digitalhttp://dairynow.ca/why-all-industrial-equipment-manufacturers-need-to-go-digital/
http://dairynow.ca/why-all-industrial-equipment-manufacturers-need-to-go-digital/#respondSat, 22 Apr 2017 07:14:54 +0000http://dairynow.ca/?p=462IoT (Internet of Things) means that devices are smarter and more capable. This is such a common thing, at such a rapid rate of expansion, that digital processes are almost second nature.
Industrial equipment manufacturers need to embrace digital technology to avoid falling behind other competitors. This means new strategies and attitudes to digital tech integration » Read more]]>

Digital technology has integrated into modern product manufacture to a great extent.

Connectivity to digital services and the IoT (Internet of Things) means that devices are smarter and more capable. This is such a common thing, at such a rapid rate of expansion, that digital processes are almost second nature.

Industrial equipment manufacturers need to embrace digital technology to avoid falling behind other competitors. This means new strategies and attitudes to digital tech integration in some applications. The better the holistic solution, the better the profits down the line.

Digital products need digital processes and solutions to appease a growing number of digital customers.

Digital technology doesn’t just come into play with the products themselves. There is a much wider chain to consider. Companies need to look at the broader value chain, from the research and development side of the company to the marketing.

Digital technology provides new solutions and greater efficiency across the board. It helps with planning and design, the manufacturing process and the interactions with buyers.

Manufacturing processes contribute to increasing efficiency and consistency in the production line. This could mean more goods of improved quality. Digital interactions with customers through marketing and sales provide a new connection to consumers. The promotion of both the products and the connectivity of the service increases the appeal.

The first step is to identify the shortcomings and find the easiest way to close the gap on other companies.

It is easy to create a bold plan of the perfect future for a company finally embracing digital technology in product design, manufacture, and distribution. This holistic approach highlights the potential of connectivity and digitization on a wider scale.

There is often a big gap between that ideal solution and the current landscape. The clearer the gap between the present and the future, the easier it is to formulate a plan of attack.

Companies need to look into the processes that are necessary, perhaps even mandatory for modern digital integration. Then there is the need to work a dual scheme with digitization and a new business model.

All steps need to be active, fast and adaptive to catch up. There may be a long road towards improvements, but the route may alter over the years.

Adaptation and effective growth are essential if industrial engineering companies are to succeed with digitization.

The growth of digital technology in products and services has only just begun. There is clear since that digital business can help to expand companies great by 2020 and beyond. Some forecast 10% rises in profitability in these companies by 2020, with further expansion to 2025.

The rate of expansion and success can depend on the type of business. Automotive companies are now expected to increase their EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) by 31%.

Heavy equipment companies, however, could see a rise of as much as 78%. Those that start now have the chance to get ahead of a trend and reap greater profits. Those that hesitate may struggle.

]]>http://dairynow.ca/why-all-industrial-equipment-manufacturers-need-to-go-digital/feed/05 Reasons To Use Cattle Monitoring Droneshttp://dairynow.ca/5-reasons-to-use-cattle-monitoring-drones/
http://dairynow.ca/5-reasons-to-use-cattle-monitoring-drones/#respondMon, 13 Mar 2017 10:48:37 +0000http://dairynow.ca/?p=101UAV technology to radically transform how they take care of their livestock. From the comfort of their homes, farmers can now use aerial surveillance, high definition cameras and state of the art sensors to keep a close eye on the location, health and general well-being of their cattle. Here are a few reasons why using drones for monitoring dairy cattle is a » Read more]]>Cattle Monitoring Drones

Farmers in countries like Australia and Israel have embraced UAV technology to radically transform how they take care of their livestock. From the comfort of their homes, farmers can now use aerial surveillance, high definition cameras and state of the art sensors to keep a close eye on the location, health and general well-being of their cattle. Here are a few reasons why using drones for monitoring dairy cattle is a great idea.

a) Finding Lost Or Stolen Cattle

Cattle in large farms sometimes wonder outside their owner’s property perhaps using a breach in the fence and this creates quite a headache for farmers trying to locate them over very wide tracts of land.

Cattle drones offer a significant advantage because they have the ability to surveil thousands of acres of land within a short period of time.

Thermal imaging sensors have the ability to detect the location of cattle across a broad range of landscapes that could pose a challenge for both human eyes and ordinary cameras and this is because thermal images can see through opaque objects like trees or bushes even if it is in the middle of the night.

Cattle thieves today have adapted to the use of RFID chips put inside animals for tracking in case of theft and so they use jamming equipment to block their emitted signals. Luckily however farmers can now search over thousands of hectares of lands using drones so that the task of finding their cattle is made infinitely easier.

b) Scaring Away Predator Animals

Coyotes lead the list of predators that eat the farmers livestock but they are also joined on the list by bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. Farmers can sometimes face legal action if they kill predator animals especially if they are an endangered species and so drones may provide a solution that not only keeps cattle safe but also spares the lives of animals just looking for a meal.

Large UAVs with loud propellers have been shown to be very intimidating to predators and so they provide a good way of scaring them off.

c) Cattle Herding

Farmers no longer have to leave their homes so as to direct cattle back to their pen because using a UAV is far easier and quicker. Nature designed sheep and cows to instinctively be afraid of anything foreign that might be a threat to them so they run the other way anytime a drone comes relatively close to them and this allows farmers to be able to keep cattle from wandering too close to dangerous places like cliffs.

d) Monitoring Of Ill, Injured Or Distressed Cattle

If an animal has been sick or injured and a farmer would like to keep a close eye on its condition without having to constantly go to its physical location then a good way to do this is by using a small and quiet drone designed to appear as harmless as a bird in order to get close enough to check on an animal’s condition without panicking it.

e) Production Efficiency

Farming is like every other business in the world in that its primary objective is profit. This means that any efficiency that can be utilized should be implemented even in the area of saving on labor costs.

Drones can radically reduce the number of workers a farmer needs to hire in order to herd cattle, monitor their bulk feeding as well as check on their well being and so lower labor costs means higher profits.

]]>http://dairynow.ca/5-reasons-to-use-cattle-monitoring-drones/feed/0The Economic and Green Benefits of Solar Power Water Pumpshttp://dairynow.ca/the-economic-and-green-benefits-of-solar-power-water-pumps/
http://dairynow.ca/the-economic-and-green-benefits-of-solar-power-water-pumps/#respondSun, 12 Feb 2017 11:15:26 +0000http://dairynow.ca/?p=398alternative fuel sources, especially in the United States where the dependence on other countries for fuel and energy have made the U.S. quite vulnerable both politically and economically.
In addition to the need to reduce dependence on foreign governments for fuel, there are benefits to the ecosystems as there is a reduced dependence on electricity, which in some cases is powered by fossil fuels, and is not » Read more]]>

There has been much talk of alternative fuel sources, especially in the United States where the dependence on other countries for fuel and energy have made the U.S. quite vulnerable both politically and economically.

In addition to the need to reduce dependence on foreign governments for fuel, there are benefits to the ecosystems as there is a reduced dependence on electricity, which in some cases is powered by fossil fuels, and is not good for the environment.

Solar powered energy is not a new concept; however, it is now an idea that needs to be seriously entertained. With climate changes, it is quite possible that there could be a reduction in rainwater, and this influences the agricultural industry that is often dependent upon nature to supply the water needs to reduce operating costs.

In addition, the use of solar water pumps could open possibilities of agricultural resources in more remote areas where there is limited access to electricity or where it is impossible to install power lines.

Why Use Solar Power Pumps?

With so much of the land in the U.S. being used for highways and new home developments to meet the ever-expanding population.

Soon there will be a limited amount of real estate on which crops and livestock can be raised for food to feed this growing population.

Solar powered water pumps could mean the expansion of land resources into areas yet untapped.

Due to the reduced need for electricity, solar water pumps could also be utilized to supply water to communities and villages in underdeveloped nations.

Crops and livestock could be grown reducing these countries’ dependence on entities that overtake these communities and use the people for their advantages.

This would also mean clean water sources that would improve living and health conditions of the inhabitants and livestock, reduce the death rate, and improve the overall economic and life quality for the people.

While the initial costs for establishing a solar-powered water pump are not inexpensive, it is a one-time cost; however, as with any appliance used for home or land, there are of course maintenance costs involved.

The big picture is that these pumps use solar energy to draw from existing water sources both above and beneath the earth’s surface.

Water sources that run beneath the earth’s surface provide the purest and cleanest water. This is where pure spring water that is placed in fancy bottles and sold on store shelves is derived. With solar water pumps, this water could be a source for people living in rural areas as well as in the suburbs. This would also reduce costs of water provided by distributors as there is a reduced dependence on electricity.

On a lower scale, the use of solar-powered water pumps can be installed on private property either above or below ground. The solar pump makes use of existing near water either from a stream on the property, or a water source below ground.

The water can be used for both domestic purposes as well as for watering plants, and sprinkler systems, and providing water to both pets and livestock.

The use of alternative sources of energy will soon be one of not the choice, but of necessity. The United States is at a point where the current leadership is in denial of climate change, and therefore programs that have been lobbied for and put in place for years are now being abandoned.

It will be up to citizens and businesses to fend for themselves. Alternative sources of energy will not only make people less dependent upon electricity, municipal water supplies, fuel obtained through foreign entities, but also a presidential administration that denies the need for an alternative means energy or to utilize the natural solar power that will aid in the preservation of natural resources.

]]>http://dairynow.ca/the-economic-and-green-benefits-of-solar-power-water-pumps/feed/0Buying An Agriculture Drone? Don’t Over Look These 4 Key Thingshttp://dairynow.ca/buying-agriculture-drone-heres-a-tip-to-get-the-best-drone-for-agriculture/
http://dairynow.ca/buying-agriculture-drone-heres-a-tip-to-get-the-best-drone-for-agriculture/#respondMon, 16 Jan 2017 09:30:15 +0000http://dairynow.ca/?p=82nutritional deficiencies, lack » Read more]]>Drone technology is having a tremendous economic impact on the field of agriculture because for the first time in history farmers have real-time access to videos and sensory surveillance of their crops.

By far the biggest return on investment for farmers has been in their ability to identify unhealthy plants as early as possible, to prevent the spread of diseases before things get out of hand.

Other problems such as nutritional deficiencies, lack of enough water supply, the spread of pests, and weeds can all be detected quickly to resolve the problems as soon as possible.

UAVs give farmers the ability to measure the height of crops and compare that data to previous seasons to determine overall health and productivity.

High-resolution cameras and inbuilt software can allow for precision crop scouting which can help to identify the types of weeds growing on a farm so that the right kind of herbicides are used to kill them.

Some large agriculture drones can even deliver the herbicides directly to affected areas while being controlled by farmers who are miles away.

UAVs are far cheaper and far more accurate than hiring plane scouts or buying imagery satellite data because most alternatives are recurrent expenditures while drones are a one time purchase for years of quality service.

Drones are not affected by cloud cover and some are designed to withstand strong wind speeds of up to 45 mph. Drones can also help farmers predict crop yields to help calculate revenues accurately for effective economic planning.

Drones can help see the damage done by harsh conditions like hailstorms, drought, or tornadoes for effective crisis management and although still in their infancy, precision drones can be used to harvest crops as well as take tissue samples for analysis of plant nutritional requirements as well as soil fertility and PH levels.

How to identify the best drones for agriculture

Not all drones are perfect for agricultural use, some are better suited than others due to design as well as onboard equipment and software. The ability to choose the best drones depends on a number of factors:

a) Battery life

Crop surveying drones often need to take aerial videos of very large tracts of land which mean that they need to be in the air for a significant amount of time. The time a drone can stay in the air is largely determined by how much charge its battery can store which makes battery life a critical factor to consider.

b) Load capacity

For farmers who wish to use their own specially designed cameras and sensors then, it is critical to understand the maximum weight a drone is designed to carry without losing efficiency. Drones categorized as `heavy lift quadcopter` are best suited for heavy equipment including VR gear which can allow you to fly over your farm and give you the impression that you are really there.

c) Onboard sensors and cameras

Near Infrared(NIR) sensors are critical in being able to detect plant height, count, health, as well identify if there are weeds. HD resolution cameras capable of 1080p or 4k imaging can be useful in yield monitoring, crop scouting, classification of trees, acquiring 3-dimensional volumetric data such as holes, drought assessment, and pest detection.

Cameras also take images of leaves to detect color and then aggregate data to detect whether plants are under stress to determine if additional water or nutrients are needed. Drones can take aerial surveillance photos of cattle operations such as movement and grazing patterns.

d) Transmission ranges and autonomous landing

Farmers with extensive farms spanning thousands of acres need drones capable of going far distances while maintaining contact with a primary user as well transmitting live videos or photos of surveilled farmland. In the unlikely event, a drone loses contact with a controller then it should be able to return itself home and land itself.

]]>http://dairynow.ca/buying-agriculture-drone-heres-a-tip-to-get-the-best-drone-for-agriculture/feed/0Using Solar Energy in Agriculture and Dairy Farmshttp://dairynow.ca/using-solar-energy-project-in-agriculture-and-dairy-farms/
http://dairynow.ca/using-solar-energy-project-in-agriculture-and-dairy-farms/#respondWed, 09 Nov 2016 05:46:08 +0000http://dairynow.ca/?p=295Renewable energy equipment helps Canadian farms save thousands of dollars, over time. These energy projects usually take a small amount of space, a few thousands of dollars to start, and don’t take acres of usable farmland away from crops and animals.
We think it’s great that agriculture executives around » Read more]]>Solar energy

Thousands of dairy farmers rely on solar energy today to run their operations for a variety of reasons, but most notable: cost reduction.

Renewable energy equipment helps Canadian farms save thousands of dollars, over time. These energy projects usually take a small amount of space, a few thousands of dollars to start, and don’t take acres of usable farmland away from crops and animals.

We think it’s great that agriculture executives around the world are looking to the bottom line to justify renewable solar energy instead of the usual electricity supply which is more expensive and harder on the environment.

Using PV systems in agriculture

Initial installation of solar panels can be pricey, but the amount saved by not paying electricity bills will have the photovoltaic system paid for in a few years.

There’s another option that many farmers prefer; by financing their PV system, they can pay no money up front when they sign up for the no money down lease. If they go for either option they’ll still get immediate electricity.

Agriculture Solar is committed to helping farmers reduce their future energy costs. We offer financing arrangements for farmers who wish to make solar energy their primary source for powering their farming operations.

Seven to ten-year lease agreements are also available for farmers looking for a temporary but dependable photovoltaic power system.Agriculture Solar’s experienced team of engineers perform a complete inspection to best understand the needs of each individual farm.

Since the majority of laws dictate that excess power generated by the photovoltaic systems can’t be sold to the power company, it’s important to make sure that the package they put in place meet but not exceed the electrical demands of the farm.

After performing a thorough analysis, their professional associates make a recommendation based on their findings.Customer satisfaction for Agriculture Solar is very high.

Farmers like that they don’t have to make a down payment to have the system installed. Dairy farmers love that that energy production from the photovoltaic system is highest during the hottest part of the day, which is when they would normally be spending large amounts of money gas and electric power.

Using solar energy on dairy farms

Some dairy farmers may currently be able to afford to pay the electric company for their energy needs, but there is something to consider. Though switching to another energy source may require an investment in time and money at first, solar energy comes with a major advantage: self-sufficiency.

Agriculture Solar energy users can power their milking machines, refrigeration, water heating, LED lighting, and ventilation needs from a renewable energy construct that they themselves own.

For those who want predictability in their energy costs and to no longer be subject to rising energy bills from the utility company, this self-sufficient option is superb. Agriculture Solar is incessantly striving to better the ways farmers power their farms.

They are currently looking at different ways of offering energy solutions that enhance the independence of agriculturalists and protect the environment. Farmers should expect great new things from this exceptional renewable energy company in the near future!

Precision agriculture is about site specific responsiveness to farming so as to improve optimization of output production while preserving input resources.

Every farmer in the world today is working towards achieving the highest level of precision agriculture possible and drone technology has become the holy grail of achieving this objective.

How drones achieve precision agriculture

Agricultural UAVs today are designed with aerial sensor and software systems such as high-resolution cameras capable of spectral imaging to allow drones to analyze the colors of leaves in different areas of a farm so as to determine plant stress.

A healthy plant reflects approximately 12% of light at about 550Nm wavelength which is perceived to the human eye as the color green but unhealthy plants reflect light with a different signature and this subtle differences may not be very obvious to the human eye which is why drones offer a great early warning detection system to inform a farmer of failing plant health.

The reasons for plant color discoloration could vary widely but drones are up to the task of helping identify what the precise problem is by measuring average humidity to check for water deficiency, collecting soil samples to test for nutrients and PH levels as well as taking plant tissue for testing of potential diseases.

Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) sensor data, as well as human analysis of images captured by HD cameras, makes it very easy to identify not only parts of the farm that are infested with weeds but also exactly which types of weeds they are so that the right kind of herbicide is used to destroy them.

Artificial intelligence systems in a drone are built to allow it to connect with irrigation pivots that are distributed across large scale farms so that water can be turned on or off as is required depending on which areas need it most.

Drone AI can also detect weather conditions so as to chart optimal flight plans as well as self-monitor its critical systems like battery life and structural cracks.

Near Infrared sensors(NIR) can measure and compare plant heights in different parts of a farm to help identify if one area of a farm is not receiving enough irrigation water or fertilizer.

Very high-end Ag drones come equipped with LIDAR sensor technology which provides a way to create precise 3D models all physical objects in close proximity.

This tech works illuminating an intended target with a laser and then analyzing the reflected light to create accurate digital models.

Farmers use LIDAR technology to create precise 3D models of their farms.

Advantages of drone-assisted precision agriculture

The whole point of precision agriculture is to ensure that limited available resources are utilized as efficiently as possible so as to increase time and cost savings.

Nitrogen, water, and fertilizer are resources that cost farmers a lot of money in expenses and so being able to identify which parts of the farm need it most and which don’t is critical in terms of efficiency because it prevents wasteful allocation of resources.

The best drones for agriculture are equipped with thermal imaging capabilities to help identify hot spots by measuring heat levels of both plants and land so as to properly allocate extra water to these areas in order to cool them down and prevent drought.

Crop health imaging allows for the early detection of problems so as to prevent a few small crises from turning into full-blown disasters.

There are two main alternatives to using crop surveying drones, one is buying satellite imagery and two is hiring manned planes. Both these options are inferior to drones because satellite imagery is both expensive and provides poor quality resolution while manned planes are a recurrent expenditure.

Drones, on the other hand, involve a one-off purchase with very low maintenance costs and the return on investment that comes from buying a drone far outweighs the initial costs.

Drones offer great ease of use once you learn basic controls by using a tablet or a physical controller. A basic quadcopter controller has four main parts starting with the roll for tilting left or right, the pitch is for moving forward or backward, the yaw rotates the UAV and finally the throttle to increase or decrease rotor speed.